Kelly Clarkson is preparing to return to television with the seventh season of The Kelly Clarkson Show, scheduled to premiere on September 29, 2023. This announcement comes shortly after the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, who passed away at the age of 48 on August 7, 2023, following a prolonged battle with malignant melanoma. Clarkson had previously cancelled her Las Vegas residency to support their two children, River Rose, 11, and Remington, 9, during this challenging time.
The production team for the NBC talk show is set to begin filming next week in preparation for the upcoming season. Clarkson will welcome an impressive roster of celebrity guests, including Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Reese Witherspoon, and Julia Roberts, among others, ensuring an engaging lineup for viewers.
Blackstock’s agency, Starstruck Entertainment, confirmed his passing with a heartfelt statement that acknowledged his courageous fight against cancer. “Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family,” the agency stated, while they requested privacy for the family during this difficult period.
Clarkson and Blackstock’s relationship has been complex, marked by both personal and legal challenges. They married in 2013 but finalized their divorce in 2022, which followed a lengthy and contentious split. Throughout their marriage and subsequent divorce, Clarkson and Blackstock maintained a bond, particularly in their commitment to their children. In a previous statement, Clarkson expressed her need to prioritize her family during Blackstock’s illness, saying, “While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them.”
Their marriage began when Clarkson met Blackstock in 2006 at an event where his father was her manager. Following his divorce from his first wife, they entered a relationship that led to marriage. Clarkson often spoke fondly of Blackstock in their early years together, even writing the song Piece by Piece to reflect the stability and love he brought into her life, which she felt was absent during her childhood.
Now, as she prepares to return to her show, Clarkson faces the dual challenge of professional commitments and personal grief. Sources have noted that she devoted significant time to caring for Blackstock during his final months, balancing her responsibilities as a host with her role as a supportive mother and ex-wife.
As the premiere date approaches, fans and viewers alike are looking forward to Clarkson’s return to the screen, eager to see how she navigates this new chapter in her life while honoring her past.